Facebook photos lead to arrests on gang and gun charges

Published: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 6:46 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 6:46 p.m.

Facebook photos resulted in the arrest of two Silver Springs men on weapons and gang-related charges.

Marion County sheriff's detectives reviewed the Facebook profiles of Mario D. McDonald, 23, and Joseph Wayne Edwards, 27, and found several recent photos of the two convicted felons holding a shotgun, according to a Sheriff's Office report.

Both were charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and with criminal street gang activity.

Detectives identified them as members of the “Crazy White Boys” criminal street gang. They said the photographs seen in the profile showed hand signs and clothing that they believe represent gang activity.

Based of the totality of what they saw and the use of social media, officials said they had probable cause for the arrests.

The men were picked up on Monday and taken to the Marion County Jail. Both are being held without bail.

Edwards also had outstanding warrants for grand theft and possession of drug paraphernalia.

In Marion County, gangs are not as active as in major cities, said a sheriff's official specializing in anti-gang work, who because of that did not wish to be identified. “But we're keeping a diligent eye on the ones we have.”

<p>Facebook photos resulted in the arrest of two Silver Springs men on weapons and gang-related charges.</p><p>Marion County sheriff's detectives reviewed the Facebook profiles of Mario D. McDonald, 23, and Joseph Wayne Edwards, 27, and found several recent photos of the two convicted felons holding a shotgun, according to a Sheriff's Office report.</p><p>Both were charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and with criminal street gang activity.</p><p>Detectives identified them as members of the “Crazy White Boys” criminal street gang. They said the photographs seen in the profile showed hand signs and clothing that they believe represent gang activity.</p><p>Based of the totality of what they saw and the use of social media, officials said they had probable cause for the arrests.</p><p>The men were picked up on Monday and taken to the Marion County Jail. Both are being held without bail.</p><p>Edwards also had outstanding warrants for grand theft and possession of drug paraphernalia.</p><p>In Marion County, gangs are not as active as in major cities, said a sheriff's official specializing in anti-gang work, who because of that did not wish to be identified. “But we're keeping a diligent eye on the ones we have.”</p>